Asking For A Facebook Password

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - What’s the worst question you could be asked in a job interview? How about: what’s your Facebook password.

If you’re applying for a job with the Virginia State Police, at the interview you are handed a laptop and asked to sign into Facebook, Twitter, and any other social networking site to which you post content. The interviewer then reviews all of your content. It’s like the virtual equivalent of rooting through your underwear drawer – but is it actually illegal?

The House of Representatives tried to pass legislation making it illegal, but the amendment didn’t pass, so employers can ask to see what they want. They can’t fail to hire you based on illegal criteria that they find there, like any illness you may have, your marital status, religion, or the like, but they can learn a lot about you that they wouldn’t otherwise find out in an interview.

That said, you still have two choices: don’t post anything you wouldn’t want an employer to see, or don’t work in a place that asks for the information.